BREAKING: More than 200 Australians are currently on their way home, fleeing the escalating violence in the Middle East following US-led airstrikes on Iran. A flight departed from Dubai at 9:30 AM AEDT and is expected to land in Sydney on Wednesday at approximately 10:30 PM, marking the first commercial flight from the region since conflict erupted.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that six crisis teams are being deployed to the Middle East to provide critical consular support to Australians still trapped in the area. However, she refrained from disclosing their exact locations due to security concerns. As tensions rise, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting multiple nations in the region.
Currently, there are about 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, including 24,000 in the UAE. Minister Wong revealed an “unprecedented number of registrations” from Australians seeking to return home, as the government evaluates their eligibility for evacuation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged citizens to stay in close contact with their airlines, emphasizing the distressing situation many Australians face amidst these developments.
In a parliamentary address, Albanese acknowledged the challenges faced by Australians caught in the conflict, stating, “We understand this is a very distressing and challenging time.” He expressed gratitude to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan for the hospitality shown to stranded Australians and highlighted ongoing discussions with New Zealand regarding consular matters.
The escalating conflict began when the US and Israel targeted Iranian locations, leading to retaliatory strikes from Tehran. Notably, Ben Saul, a UN special rapporteur, condemned the US-Israel actions as “unlawful aggression,” asserting that Iran has not posed an imminent threat to either nation. He criticized the Australian government’s support of these strikes, claiming it undermines the rules-based international order.
Australia was among the first nations to back the military actions taken by the US and Israel, although officials maintain that the instigators must justify the legality of their operations. In response, Iran has launched a series of drone and missile attacks aimed at oil and gas infrastructure across neighboring states.
In a precautionary measure, Australia’s embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran to shelter in place due to heightened risks. Furthermore, a defense base housing Australian troops in the UAE has previously been targeted in an Iranian attack.
Opposition foreign spokesman Ted O’Brien has called on the government to explore every option to ensure the safety of Australians stranded in the conflict zone. He insisted that Australia must leverage its partnerships with allies to facilitate the evacuation of its citizens.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging all Australians in the region to remain vigilant and seek assistance through official channels. The urgency of these evacuations cannot be overstated, as the conflict continues to escalate. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.
